Misconceptions

Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror,

but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. 

All that I know now is partial and incomplete, 

but then I will know everything completely,

just as God now knows me completely.

1 Cor 13:12 (NLT)

I've been thinking what a wonderful thing it must have been for the disciples and friends of Jesus to be in his actual physical presence, to see his expressions and to hear his voice and to walk with him.  Yet, even though they were in his presence, it didn’t guarantee knowledge.  In many ways they still did not understand him.  They still had their own areas of blindness and weakness just as we have, conditioned and determined by their personality, culture and upbringing. 

Jesus had to correct their misconceptions so many times.  Peter’s strong personality often expressed itself in prideful arrogance to the point that he actually corrected Jesus (Mt. 16:22,23) and declared himself strong enough to even die with Christ. (Mt. 26:35)  The truth was exposed (as it usually is) under pressure when he swore three times that he did not even know the man.  At that moment, Jesus looked at him and the truth of who Peter really was became evident.  (Luke 22:54-62)  Later, when Peter begins his ministry, God has to confront his cultural and religious prejudice.  (Acts 10 & 11)  

Under the influence of their ambitious mother, the disciples, James and John, came asking for the right to sit on thrones at the side of Jesus.  They foolishly said that they were able to pay the price of sorrow involved in such an honor.  Again, Jesus patiently confronts their misconceptions, stating that even he has no right to honor such a request.  (Mt. 20:20-28) 

Love cannot coexist with error.  Love has to see plainly and clearly what is really going on. Our ability to love can be seriously hindered by our personalities, our cultural assumptions or our family upbringing.  Jesus confronts each one of these areas as he lovingly and gently, with depth of understanding, works throughout our lives to dislodge falsehoods and to lead us into the truth that will set us free.

Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness,

but rejoices with the truth. 

1 Cor 13.6 NASB